A 'failing' primary school is being given a fresh start - and a new name - in an attempt to raise standards.

The headteacher of Didcot's Greenmere Primary School has announced that it will reopen as Willowcroft Community School, with £165,000 of extra funding in September.

Closing and reopening the Mereland road school under the Government's Fresh Start initiative is intended to combat poor standards.

Pupils decided that they wanted their new school to be called either Willowcroft or Greenfields.

The options were then voted on by parents and approved by governors.

Headteacher Jon Grey, who was brought in to help reverse its fortunes last year, has reassured parents, children and staff that the rebranding will make a real difference.

He said: "Some people think it's just a change of name, but it's much more than that.It is a change of values, ethos and identity.

"It is a new school with different expectations."

On top of the £165,000 Government grant, the school's debts will be written off.

The money is already being spent on extra resources such as information technology, science equipment and books, and innovative ways of teaching, such as an outdoor campus at Wittenham Clumps.

The school's 40 staff, including 14 teachers, have had to reapply for their jobs, although the majority have been kept on.

The 'rebranding' was prompted by poor Standard Assessment Test (Sats) results at the school, which were below the national 'floor target' for 11-year-olds.

Change was already under way earlier this year, as the school moved into a new £4m building on its existing site at Easter.

Governor and parent Tricia Mathews said: "Fresh Start is definitely a positive move for the school, although there are some negative aspects like the staffing issues. The children have been taking pleasure in the new building."